Qorikancha ruins and convent Santo Domingo in Cusco, Peru

Best of Peru for Families: Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Peru

Places Visited

Lima, Cusco

Suggested Duration

7 Days

Experience the very best of Peru during your seven-day trek through the country's breathtaking landscapes on a whirlwind vacation the whole family will fall in love with. Keep up with the frenzied pace of city life in Lima as you bike ride to the vibrant Barranco District and dine along the beautiful Miraflores coastline for panoramic views of the Pacific. Then, venture to the iconic birthplace of the Inca Empire of Cusco before making the final summit to UNESCO's internationally acclaimed Machu...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Touch down at Lima's International Airport and dine in the prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores at sunset
  • Bike ride along the illustrious Pacific coast to the Barranco District and enjoy an entertaining light and water show the whole family will love
  • Tour the ancient Inca ruins in Cusco and attend a live music performance featuring traditional instruments in the Plaza de Armas
  • Venture beyond the city limits to meet Peru's friendly llamas and alpaca up close before perusing Cusco's massive outdoor markets
  • Ascend to the internationally acclaimed ruins of Machu Picchu alongside your expert guide and dip into the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes
  • Make the trek up Huayna Picchu for panoramic views of the majestic Andes Mountains and indulge in a locally-sourced three-course meal
  • Sunbathe on Lima's beautiful beaches and visit the stunning ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana

Detailed Description

Set off on an adventure of a lifetime that the whole family will be talking about in the years to come. When you arrive in the beautiful South American country of Peru, you will be in awe of the illustrious landscapes, delectable cuisine, and warm, hospitable people. In the bustling city of Lima, you will keep up with the quickened pace of life as you get to know modern-day Peru, then travel back to colonial times when you explore the historic downtown. During the second half of your excursion, you will break away from city life to uncover artifacts of the great Inca Empire, including UNESCO's Machu Picchu ruins. Get ready for a seven-day, fun-filled getaway quite unlike any other.

You will touch down on Day One in Peru's bustling capital city of Lima. Momentarily, you will meet your private guide and be whisked away along busy highways and buzzing boulevards to Lima's downtown. Soon, you will arrive at your luxury hotel in Miraflores, the most prestigious neighborhood in all of Peru. Bold, white skyscrapers stand proudly opposite the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean. Couples gather in the verdant Parque del Amor while families set up picnics beside the iconic La Marina lighthouse. After settling into your hotel, you and the kids can venture outdoors for a bit of exploration. Stroll along Miraflores sparkling shoreline and watch as paragliders swiftly descend to the sandy shores below. In the evening, you can settle in for a three-course meal of authentic Peruvian cuisine in one of Miraflores' high-end restaurants. The next day, you and the kids can take a scenic bike ride south to the whimsical Barranco District, known for its bold facades and popping street art. Stop for lunch at one of many trendy Barranco restaurants, most of which were once colonial mansions belonging to Lima's Spanish elite. At dusk, you and the kids will attend a Light and Water Show amongst the backdrop of Lima's skyscrapers and energetic boulevards.

The following day, you will embark on a journey to the birthplace of the Inca Empire. In the early morning hours, you will board a short, regional flight to Cusco, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains. Once you arrive at your charming accommodations in the white stucco neighborhood of San Blas, hotel staff will greet you with a steeping cup of mate de coca tea, said to offset the effects of altitude sickness. Over the next two days, you will explore the beauty of Cusco as you explore the ancient ruins of Qorikancha, Tambomachay, and Saqsayhuaman and immerse yourself in local culture at the frenzied outdoor markets. The kids will love a visit to the llama and alpaca farm in the morning, followed by a live music performance later in the day. Finally, you will travel through the Sacred Valley to the acclaimed ruins of Machu Picchu and spend the next two days uncovering the beauty of this magical place.

Starting Price

$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.86 stars based on 901 reviews.

Peru Vacation Review: Amazon, Desert, Dune Buggy Rides,...

Zicasso’s travel agent managed to ensure we were able to see and do all the things on our list, plus more! It was an amazing family adventure. We only had one issue with an airline delay, but she went above and beyond to help us. The guides and drivers were also spectacular.

Reviewed By Pamela N.

Peru Family Vacation Review: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley,...

Zicasso's travel consultant planned the perfect itinerary for our family trip to Peru. She really listened to the types of experiences we wanted to have and absolutely delivered on everything she planned. All of our travel logistics went smoothly, with no issues, hiccups, or delays. She was also very responsive prior to our trip and the few times we reached out during our travels. And the app she used was extremely intuitive and helpful. I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour operator!

Reviewed By Jenifer Z.

Peru, Ecuador Vacation Review: Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu...

Our trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The Amazon jungle was a blast. I paid for an extra full-day excursion to fish for piranhas, which was definitely a great decision and one of the highlights of our trip (we had the piranhas for lunch, and they were delicious).

The Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu were fabulous. And then, the Galápagos were extraordinary, from the unexpected serenity of the place to the crew of the boat, and, of course, the proximity to wildlife, including snorkeling with sea lions. It was especially meaningful to be in these places with our entire family (10 of us). Everyone understood how special it was and we will all cherish the experience all of our lives.

The Zicasso travel company was fantastic from start to finish. Our travel specialist went far beyond the call of duty to help us, especially when one family members could not make the trip. He helped us with replacing that person with another. He was remarkably prompt, clear, and informative in all communications, both in planning the trip and during it. He has a very kind heart and is a great human being. I cannot say enough positive things about him.

Reviewed By bradley P.

Peru Tour Review: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest,...

My adult daughter and I had the most wonderful trip planned by Zicasso's travel company. Their team was exceptional; educational, on time, and just a pleasure to be with. Our itinerary was just what we were looking for. From Lima to the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, and ending with Machu Picchu, it was well planned and well executed. We have memories that will last us forever.

Our travel specialist was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our thoughts and improved our experience with her great knowledge of the country, cities, and historical sites we wanted to visit. The travel company exceeded our expectations on every level. Thank you to our specialist and the team she assembled. We now have fantastic memories that will last us forever!

Reviewed By Darrin G.

Peru Anniversary Tour Review: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu,...

Zicasso's travel agent is a phenomenal trip planner and advisor, and he helped make my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary trip exactly what we were hoping for. He listened to what we were interested in exploring, provided multiple options for tours and activities, and was incredibly responsive, even after we booked the trip. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants.

Furthermore, he paired us with an outstanding tour guide for our time at the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He even left us a surprise at our hotel on the final leg of our journey! When we go back to visit South America, we will definitely reach out to him!

Reviewed By Kasha H.

Peru Tour Review: Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Lares Trail,...

Zicasso's travel specialist was spectacular in every way. From the inception of communication and planning, through arranging for all of our tickets, hotels, transport, and amazing dining experiences, to the incredible support and guides we enjoyed along the way... they were outstanding and we received five-star service.

We were a demanding group of 13, ranging in ages from 17 to over 60, and we all had an absolute blast! We had an absolutely amazing trip. The Lares Trail and Machu Picchu (and our climb up Huayna Picchu) are by far some of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.

Our guide and driver were awesome... kind, professional, and accommodating, and our guide especially was very knowledgeable, with so much respect and love for the surrounding nature and culture.

Our travel specialist was timely, attentive, and responsive to all of our requests, and helped us collectively achieve one of the greatest vacations we have ever experienced.

They were 100% accurate in terms of how to prepare us for the altitude and allow us enough time to acclimatize in Cusco (and with a great, long, mountain bike ride at high elevation). Our specialist provided excellent recommendations for how to fill some additional time in Cusco while we acclimated. We loved touring Cusco itself, and seeing Sacsayhuaman, several spots in the Sacred Valley, and the Maras Salt Mines were all unforgettable experiences. We also loved the hotel she had us at in Cusco. It was a great spot to be able to explore the city on our own time.

After seeing all of the coordination, especially for the Lares Trail and Machu Picchu, we're so relieved we chose to go through Zicasso for this trip and were connected with our travel specialist and her company. Everything was well planned and thought out, and if anything was not right, they sought to immediately correct it. Our guide was on top of every detail and it was great knowing our agent was just a text or phone call away.

Reviewed By Gary W.

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